Frequently Asked Questions

1. ADMISSION PROCEDURE

All prospective students should start by sending the information form to mma@UGent.be (click here to download this form). This is an 'ADVANCED MASTER' degree. This means that applicants should have obtained both a bachelor and master degree BEFORE applying to this advanced program (alternatively, graduates from a 4-year bachelor degree may also apply).

Starting 2024, all applicants must take a test about a book titled "Statistical Techniques in Business and Economics" by Lind et al. (Notice, it should be the 19th Edition): The new test for the 19th Edition will become available in the next few weeks. If you take the test (with opportunity to one retake) with book option from the publisher McGraw-Hill, the fee is 31.50 EUR. The old Edition is here, but should not be used anymore for 2025-2026 Applications. For more information on the exact procedure. See here for your login. Taking a GMAT or GRE test is no longer required. The applicant must score 75% or higher on the online test to obtain a PASS mark.

The second step in the admission procedure is to take a test on 'Python Programming' (NEW since Oct. 2024). We recommend taking a free MOOC (massively open online course) on this topic.

The third step in the admission procedure is to take a test on Chapters 1-6 and 12 of the "An Introduction to Statistical Learning" book (Second Edition). (available here for free download at the bottom of the page)

2. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The application is at no charge (except for the fee for the first step in the admission procedure payable to the publisher McGraw-Hill). Please download and complete the following information form and e-mail this word-document to mma@UGent.be Non-Belgian students should at the same time (to speed up the process of application) start the procedure outlined on the official UGent-website (click here). Deadlines regarding this application can also be found on this web page.

3. SCHOLARSHIPS

Currently, Ghent University does not offer specific scholarships anymore. However, some scholarships are offered by other organizations (e.g. the Belgian, Flemish government), but they can only be obtained at the Belgian Embassy in the country of residence of the student. Foreign students are advised to contact the Belgian Embassy in their country and inquire about the different scholarships. Moreover the BTC (which is a part of ABOS) offers scholarships specifically for students from the following developing countries: Algeria, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina-Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Congo, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Laos, Niger, Mali, Marocco, Mozambique, Palestine, Peru, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Southern African Development Community (SADC), Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam. Moreover, they may obtain information from international organizations such as the International Education Financial Aid, or the SOROS fund.

4. LEARNING MORE ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY, GHENT & BELGIUM

Ghent University is the largest university in Belgium (45 000+ students) with the highest growth rate because of its entrepreneurial spirit and academic achievement. Moreover, it is the highest ranked university of Belgium in most rankings. A good reliable source of information about Belgium is provided by the websites of our embassies. You can also find a list of our embassies, consulates around the world, which may be useful for your visa application procedure. The website of our federal government is also worth a visit, as well as the one of our Flemish community, which offers guided tours highlighting the cultural heritage of Flanders. Finally, the city of Ghent (click on EN for the English version of the landing page) also has a website.

5. INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER OF THE MASTER OF DATA SCIENCE FOR BUSINESS

We receive applications from all over the world. International student participation is highly encouraged!